Can the IRS Really Improve the “Taxpayer Experience?” I New IRS Report Seems to Say So

admin • Jan 18, 2021

Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wants to improve its operations for taxpayers and for IRS employees?  In fact, the IRS is laser-focused on “enhancing the taxpayer experience.”  Now, I’m sure you are thinking about what everyone is thinking – “my taxpayer experience would be greatly enhanced if I didn’t have to pay taxes!”  

Notwithstanding the fact that we all need to pitch in and pay taxes to make sure that the stoplights work properly, the highways are safe to drive on, and the water that comes out of the faucet is clean; I’m sure we can all agree that making interactions with the IRS easier and more efficient is a good thing.

So, in this article, we are going to talk about the IRS’s report, published just last week, as part of the Taxpayer First Act that tells Congress all about how the IRS is going to improve its services for its employees and the public.  If, after reading this article, you would like to discuss your own tax situation, we invite you to call Sarasota tax attorneys at the Law Office of Mary E. King, P.L.  

The Law Office of Mary E. King, P.L. can make sure that your tax issues are resolved efficiently and at the lowest cost to you.  Please fill out our online contact form , or call us at 941-906-7585 today.

Where it Began – the Taxpayer First Act

On July 1, 2019, the Taxpayer First Act was signed into law with solid bipartisan support.  The goal of the law was to have the IRS re-imagine the way it serves taxpayers while still enforcing the tax laws fairly and impartially.  Also, the Taxpayer First Act called on the IRS to train its employees so that they could deliver a “world-class customer experience.”  In short, the Act outlined a number of mandates, all with the goal of improving the taxpayer experience.  

Just last week, the IRS published its annual report to Congress as required by the Act.  The report focuses on three specific provisions of the Act to improve U.S. tax administration.  Those three provisions are as follows:

1. Enhancing the taxpayer experience,
2. Training IRS employees, and
3. Increasing operational efficiencies.

In this article, we will focus on the first reported issue – the taxpayer experience.

The IRS is Pretty Busy

We all like to complain about the IRS.  The myriad forms, the seemingly unnecessary complexity of the calculations, and the reluctance to even try to get help from an IRS helpline are daunting issues indeed.  Yet, we should remember that the IRS is an agency that touches virtually every adult in the country and has a lot on its plate.  

As its report to Congress tells us:

1. The IRS interacts with 253 million Americans annually,
2. It takes the actions necessary to make sure that the $3.6 trillion of federal revenue is collected,
3. The IRS helped more than 67 million individuals, businesses, and non-profit taxpayers through telephone helplines, regular mail and email, and local Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
4. Also, the IRS.gov website got about 650 million visits last year.

All that is to say that the IRS does have a serious job to do and millions of taxpayers to serve.  Thus, focusing on improving this rather important function makes good-government sense.

How Will the do IRS Improve the Taxpayer Experience?

The IRS reports to Congress that it will take a “holistic” approach to meet taxpayer needs.  Thus, the Taxpayer Experience Strategy consists of six parts:

1. Expanded Digital Services .  The IRS wants to introduce online accounts, and improve self-service opportunities.
2. Seamless Experience .  Like businesses and stores that try to make the customer experience friendly and easy-to-use, the IRS seeks to treat taxpayers more like customers.
3. Proactive Outreach and Education .  The IRS wants to help taxpayers understand the system, and tax requirements in all languages, so there are fewer errors and confusion when paying taxes.
4. Focus on Underserved Communities .  The IRS understands that many communities have difficulty getting the technology and access needed to enjoy some of the IRS tools and benefits.
5. Foster a Community of Partners .  The IRS wants to share best practices, or take pointers from taxpayers who have efficient systems.
6. Use Data to Measure Success .  Finally, the IRS wants to measure its progress with smart data management.

The goals are lofty, but the sentiment is encouraging.  Hopefully, over time, it will become a lot less daunting to deal with the IRS every year, or more frequently if you have been audited or have a specific case with the IRS.  

Overall, however, having an experienced tax attorney to assist you with any issues you have with the IRS is still the easiest way to make sure that your interactions with the IRS are done properly and in your best interest.  

Consult with the Sarasota Tax Attorneys at the Law Office of Mary E. King 

Having Sarasota tax attorneys at your side to advise you on this second round of stimulus money, and to give you options for your tax returns this year is worth its weight in gold.  

Consider reaching out to the Law Offices of Mary E. King for help.  Tax matters can be complicated, and thus, it is always helpful to have someone in your corner who understands the tax law and deals with the IRS on a regular basis.  Indeed, beyond just the stimulus payment from the IRS, there could be other issues with which a seasoned tax attorney can help.  

So, when it comes to dealing with tax relief and tax litigation, you need to talk to a Sarasota IRS tax solution attorney who can help.  Mary E. King has spent her career concentrating in tax law and can help you with tax scams in Florida and elsewhere.  Attorney King has a wealth of information about what types of options would make the most sense for you and your business.

That helps explain why she’s received an A+ rating from the Florida Better Business Bureau. If you have a tax-related issue – no matter how small or how large – setting up an initial consultation with Mary E. King, tax lawyer of Florida, is the first step you should take towards relief.

The Law Office of Mary King P.L. offers complete IRS problem-solving services including all areas from tax debt settlement to planning the most efficient tax strategy for individuals and businesses.  Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.  With years of experience as a tax lawyer in Sarasota for many clients, Attorney Mary E. King can make sure that your tax issues are resolved in your favor.  Fill out our online contact form , or call us at 941-906-7585.   Remember, at the Law Office of Mary E. King, we are focused on solving your tax issues for good.

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